Reversible recessed panel-type vendor structure



June 27, 1961 R. M. ENGELBRECHT 2,990,229

REVERSIBLE RECESSED PANEL-TYPE VENDOR STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 5Sheets-Sheet 1 June 27, 1961 ENGELBRECHT 2,990,229

REVERSBLE RECESSED PANEL-TYPE VENDOR STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 5SheetsSheet 2 INVENTOR ROBERT M; ENGELBRECH'I ATTORNEY S June 27, 1961R. M. ENGELBRECHT 2,990,229

REVERSIBLE RECESSED PANEL-TYPE VENDOR STRUCTURE Filed Sept.l0, 1958 5Sheets-Sheet 3 0/ /3 /o ll ll l 438/ Ma /48 J4 V40 /36 INVENTOR ROBERTM. ENGELBRECHT BY @MW ATTORNEYS June 27, 1961 R. M. ENGELBRECHT2,990,229

REVERSIBLE RECESSED PANEL-TYPE VENDOR STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 5Sheets-Sheet 4 F 66: m Tfi w /6? 42 |NVENTOR 9 ROBERT M. ENGELBRECHTATTORNEY S June 27, 1961 R. M. ENGELBRECHT 2,990,229

REVERSIBLE RECESSED PANEL-TYPE VENDOR STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 5Sheets-Sheet 5 h U u E INVENTOR.

ROBERT M. ENGELBRECHT BY MM QL ATTORNEYS This invention relates to acabinet construction to be employed, for example, for bottle vendors,coolers, and simlar'refnigeration units, and more specifically, to acabinet structure including reversible :parts together withinterchangeable parts .for presenting "a number of various "outer visualeffects and appearances.

Heretofore 'the usual cabinet fabrications for fbottle vendors, coolers,and the like, even thoughan end product fullyass'embled and ready forimmediate use, are ;not:an identifiable product as to the manufacturerof the con- .tainedvended or cooled product. Commercially, :significantis the fact that the vendor orrcooler should :be

*readily identifiable with the .merchandising education of the endproduct to be contained within the particular-re- "frigeration unit.Prior to this invention the'subject cabi- 'nets :possessed singularcharacteristics and oneness of \design and structure without providingfor structuralinterchangea'bility and versatility dependent upon theassociated product to be contained therein.

Accordingly, object of my invention is to provide a-construction forrefrigeration units of the above-identified type which permit the visualportion of the unitto be easily designed to satisfy each merchandisingrequirement which might be proposed without redesigning or .altering thefabrication procedures for the individual parts of these units.

Another object is to provide a chassis framestructure which permits andfacilitates interchangeability as well as reversibility of the exteriorsurfacing of the refrigeration units.

.A further object is to provide an interchangeable and reversiblepanelized system for refrigeration units, and consequently a systemadapted to endless possible visual effects which would be individuallyselected to conform to the merchandising program of the manufacturer ofthe ,:product to be vended or cooled by these units.

Still a further object is to provide refrigeration units havingprefabricated parts and pre-assembled sub-assemblies which'would adaptthemselves to numerouscabinet constructions, each having differentoutward appearances .as requested by the manufacturer of the. product tobe contained within any particular unit.

An important object is to provide a refrigeration unit .having areversible panel system, the individual panels of which are 'selectablyarranged on the units mounting chassis in a manner depending upon theproduct to be encased thereby; and further these panels are adapted tobe finishedprior to mounting on the chassis in accordance with 'thesubject manufacturers merchandising pro- ,gram.

In general, a prefabricated refrigeration unit constructed in accordancewith my invention possesses a basic framed mounting chassis includingpre-arranged horizontal beams and vertical posts supported by means of abase'structure. "In an effort to provide versatility of design andappearance for these units, while still maintaining substantiallythesame chassis, panels having centrally located recessedpor'tions areemployed for eitheror both the sidesandfront faces of the unit. Y--appearance desired, the panels may be mounted on the I g n p i@chassis-withtheir recessed portions either protruding or 70 FIG. 18 1sa plan view ofa cabinet structure embodying Depending upon the U i dStates Pate 111:0

- end panels;

..certain parts removed;

top comer frames, depending :again upon the .desired visual appearance.to-beassociatedwith themanufacturer of the product.to,be:containedwithin the unit.

Other objects and advantages of this inventionwill become apparentfrom-the following detailed description,

'-which is to be taken in conjunction with-the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic .perspective view: of Va cabinetconstruction having recessedifront and protruding side or end panels;

.FIG. 2 is a partial. sectional view takensubstantia'lly..along..the.line.2-.2 of FIG. .1, illustrating the recessed front panelandassociated base and top frame construc- :'FIG. .3 is .a partialsectional view takensubstantially alongFthelineS-B ofFIG. 1,illustrating theprotruding end: panelsand associated vbase and .topframe construction, with parts removed;

FIG. .4 isa fragmentary sectional viewttaken alongthe line 4-4 of FIG.Lillustratingthe.co1:ner1frame,assembly and relation to the mountedfront and end panels,-with FIG. .5 is aperspective view of'the'basicframe constnuction of thelmounting chassis of my invention;

FIG. 6 vista partially schematic perspectivev view o'f.a

.cabinet fabrication having protruding "front and protruding end panels;

FIG. 7 is apartialsectional view taken substantially .along the line7-7of FIG. 6, illustrating the protruding frontpaneland associated base andtop framecon-stru tion, with parts removed;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substanv,tially along theline-8-".8 of FIG. 6, illustrating the relationship of parts in thecorner frame assembly;

FIG. 9 is a partially schematic perspective view-ofa cabinetconstruction having protruding'front.and'recessed end panel-s; I

FIG. 10 .is a partial sectional view taken along'the'line 1010.of FIG.9,,illustrating the recessed end panel and associated base andtopnframeconstruction, with. certain parts removed;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional viewtakensubstan- .tially along theline 11-11 of FIG. 9, illustrating the subject relationship of parts inthe corner frame "assem- -bly, with certain parts removed;

FIG. 12 isa partiallyschematicperspective view of. a cabinetconstruction having a recessed front .and .end

- panels;

FIG. 13 is: a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially alongthe1ine.13-13'0f FIG. 12., illustrating-the arrangementof partsii-n thecorner frame sassembly with certain parts removed; 7

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary'perspective. view, show-ingin detail'the'corner oonstructi-onfor my cabinet unit, specific reference to aunit having. protruding front'rand FIG. 15 a fragmentary sectional viewtaken along; the line 1515 of FIG. 14; i

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary. sectional view-showing the corner constructionpresent at. the juncture ofca recessed side panel and rear panel ofoneofmy Lcabinet', units which has incorporated therein aalfurtherembodimentof corner guide; 1

-'FIG. 17 is a; fragmentary longitudinal =:sectional-.: vie illustratingthe top corner construction present-at the-rear of my cabinet'unit;

' incorporated in the cabinet structure;

corporation of a frame structures are illustrative, but at stability tothe base structure.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary elevation illustrating'sche- :matically abottle cap opener andcap catcher receptacle FIG. 21 is a fragmentaryperspective view of the inventilation screen in the cabinet structure, 1

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the incorporationof a door in the cabinet structure; and

.FIG. 23 is a fragmentary top plan view showing schematicallythearrangement of bottle neck retaining racks and associated structuremounted interiorly of the cabinet structure.

In the drawings, I have illustrated various forms, modifications andfeatures of cabinet structures fabricated in accordance with the presentinvention, to be used for the contemplated refrigeration units. Theillustrated reversible panelized system is exemplary of the'manypossible embodiments, but in some respects is preferable because 'of itssimplicity and decreased costs, as well as being conducive to eflicientand inexpensive manufacturing and assembling techniques. Similarly, thedisclosed corner the same time preferable.

My cabinet structure preferably includes amounting chassis which permitsand facilitates reversibility and interchangeability of parts forattaining the desired countless visual eflects and appearances.Accordingly, in FIG.

5, I illustrate such a chassis which is designated generally by numeral30. This chassis 30 comprises a base 32 which is substantiallyrectangular in configuration and I includes a front panel 34, a rearpanel 36, and side or end panels 38 and 40. The bottom edges of each oneof these panels has extending laterally therefrom in an inward directionflanges 42, 44, 46 and 48, respectively, which function as hearingplates to thereby increase the bearing area of the mounting chassis 30as well as supply Brace 50 extends between side'panels 38 and 40 forsubstantially the entire length of the rear panel 36 and rests upon theinwardly extending flanges 44, 46 and 48,

' and is further secured thereto as for example, by welding.

This brace 50 comprises an upper plate 52 having extending downwardlytherefrom integral side plates 54 and 56. The outer face of sideplate-54 is adapted to conveniently engage the inner face of rear panel36 in substantial face-to-face contact to thereby increase the rigidityof the. base 32 and facilitate Welding of the juncture of plate 54 andplate 52 to the inner face of rear panel 36.

The downwardly extending side plates 54 and 56 both have inwardlyextending flanges 58 and 60, respectively.

' The outer face of flange 58.is adapted to rest upon the inner face offlange 44, thereby strengthening the latter as well as providing foradequate stress distribution in the base 32. The inwardly extendingflange 60, on the other hand, rests-upon the flanges 46 and 48 and issomewhat reduced in size comparable to flange 58. Flange 60 is adaptedto be secured to flanges 46 and 48, as for example, by spot welding, andagain functions to provide better stress distribution by providing for amore unitary base 32, both in structure and function.

. A similar brace extends for the length of front panel i 34 betweenside panels 38 and 40*, and accordingly will be identically numbered.

- The upper edges of base plates 34, 36, 38 and 40 have transverselyextending plates 62, 64, 66, and 68, respectively. These plates extendoutwardly and may be integral with their, supporting base plates 34, 36,38 and 40. Integral flanges 70, 72, 74 and'76 serve to mount ,.sim.ilarvertical :posts 78, 80, 82 and 84, which may assumo the form ofconventional angle irons. Welding may 4 be resorted to in properlyconnecting the vertical 78, 80, 82 and 84 with the mounting base 32.

Horizontal beams 86, 88, and 92, which again may be in the form of angleirons, are conveniently supported by the upper ends of posts 78, 80, 82and 84, substantially as illustrated, with the legs extending upwardlyand inwardly from their connecting edge. Additionally, welding may againaccomplish the desired securement of members. 1

In FIGS. 1 to 4, I illustrate a cabinet structure having a recessedfront panel and protruding side or end panels as well as otherafliliated structure mounted on the chassis 30. The illustrated frontpanel 94 includes a central panel section 96 which is essentiallyrectangular in configuration. Extending substantially laterally from theperipheral edges of this central panelsection 96 are integral plates 98,100, 102 and 104. .These plates then terminate in flanges 106, 108, and112, respectively. These flanges are offset with respect to the centralpanel section 96 and additionally are disposed in a plane which issubstantially parallel to the plane of the central panel section 96.When a recessed front panel 94 is contemplated, the central panelsection 96 is positioned inwardly of the frame chassis 30 substantiallyas shown, with the flanges 106, 108, Y110 and 112 insubstantialface-to-face cont-act with an upstanding flange 70 of base32, one of the legs of vertical post 78, horizontal beam 86 and verticalpost 84, respectively. The contacting junctures of the front panel 94with mounting chassis are disposed in substantially the same plane,which, in the case of :a cabinet structure having a recessed frontpanel, will be outwardly more removed than the plane of the centralpanel section 96.

The protruding end panels of the subject embodimen are substantially thesame, and for this reason reference will only be had to the illustratedend panel, namely, end panel 116, while keeping in mind that the hiddenend panel may incorporate identical structure. End panel 116 in thedrawings includes a central panel section 118 which may be substantiallyrectangular, or as illustrated in the drawings, may approximate asquare. Central panel section 118 has extending laterally therefromplates 120, -122, 124 and 126. Flanges 128, 130, 132 and 134 then extendrespectively from plates 120, 122, 124 and 126 to be disposed in a planesubstantially spaced from and parallel to the plane of central panelsection 118. In this connection, the flanges 128, 130, 132 and 134 aresubstantially in face-to-face contact, respectively, with flange 74 ofbase 32, a leg of vertical post 80, horizontal beam 88, and verticalpost 78. For purposes of having a protruding end panel, the centralpanel section 118 is offset outwardly with respect to the flanges 128,130, 132 and 134, as well as the junctures of the latter with thechassis 30.

It is preferred that corner trim 136 be employed to cover the peripheralside edge portions of the panels that rest upon the vertical posts 78,80, 82 and 84. Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be observed that thecorner trim 136 includes vertical plates 138 and 140 extending from acommon side edge. Spacer plates 142 and 144 extend integrally from theplates .138 and 140', respectively, in a converging direction. inwardlyextending flanges 146 and 148 are integral with these spacer plates 142and 144, respectively, and are adapted to be placed in substantialface-to-face contact with flanges 134 of end panel 116 and flange 108 offront panel 94. The width of spacer plates 142 and 144 is such that whenfront panel Post , .94 and end panel 116 is protruding, plates 138 and140 of corner trim 136 are respectively substantially flush with and insubstantially the same plane as the central panel section 1 18 and 96.If only one of the panels has a pro truding central panel section, theadjacent plate 138 *or 140 of corner trim 136 is similarly disposed, asis the case in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4. The "length "of theflanges 146 and148 of the corner trim'1'36 should truding front and sidepanels. present embodiment, the central panel section 96 of 'pro-"truding front panel'94 is outwardly more removed from be such that theguide which is to be described in connection 'with FIGS. 14, 15 and 16will embrace sectors of these flanges and thereby maintain the corner aswell as the associated panels in substantially fixed relation withrespect to the associated vertical post, which, in the 1 subjectembodimengis post '78.

In the contemplated cabinet structure acabinet top 150 'is additionallyincluded and suitably anchored to the mounting chassis 30. The cabinettop 150 comprises the usual means for obtaining access to the interiorof the cabinet structure. As illustrated in FIG. l, the usual lidseat1'52may be provided for defining this opening into the interior ofthe cabinet structure as well as for provid- 'ing a seat for a hingedlid or top door 154. The lid seat 152 'usually extends for a shortdistance beyond the plane of the'top panel 156, thereby mounting thedoor 154 above this top panel.

The top panel 156 includes downwardly extending "plates 158, 160, 162and 164, at the peripheralside edges thereof. Inwardly extending flanges166, 168, 170 and 172 extend integrally from the downwardly extendingplates 158, 160,162 and 164, respectively. The inner freeendsof theflanges 166, 168, 170 and 172 terminate short of the'outer peripheralface of the upper flange 110 -of f'ront.panel94, the upper flange 13 2of end panels 116, *aswell as faces of the rear panel'which will bedisclosed inconnectio'n with FIGS. 16 and 17. Asub-top structure 174,having outer dimensions substantially-equal to the inner dimensions ofthe associated structure of thetop "150, maybe united with the latter inorder to'rigidifyand strengthen the'cabinet top structure.

Since the structure involved for the individual components making up thecabinet structure of the following "embodiments are substantially thesame as those illustrated and described inconnection with FIGS. 1 to 5,like numerals "will be employed to designate like parts;

and reference is 'had to the detailed description of the structureillustrated in these figures for'a more complete explanation of thestructural elements involved.

FIGS. 6w 8 illustrate a'cabin'et structure having pro- In accordancewith the flushwith and in the same. plane as thecentral panel sec- Itions 1*18 and 96,- respectively.

In FI GS. 9, l0 and 11,- I illustrate a cabinet structure having aprotruding front panel and recessed end panel arrangement. Accordingly,the central panel section 96 of 'front-panel'94 is-outwardly removedfromtheplane of its associatedflanges 106, 108,-1-10 and-112, in a man-'nersubstantially similar to that illustrated in connection with theprevious embodiment of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. The recessedend panel 116, onthe other hand, has its cen- -tral' panel section 118 disposedinter-iorlyof the outer confines ofthe framed chassis structure 30.Again, the corner trim is constructed in such-a manner that its'panel140-wi11 be substantially flush withand in the same plane as the planeofthe centralpanel section 96 of the front .-panel"94.

--Referring'nowto FIGS. 12 and 13; it will beobserved thatT provide acabinet unit having recessed'front and end "panels. =Inthis particularstructurala'rrangement, the cen- "tral-panel section 96 'ofthe frontpanel 94,= and'central panelsectionllS of theend'panel' 116' aredisposed within the confines of the chassis structure 30, with theflanges of -these panelsbeingdisposed ina-plane 'sp'aced outwardly withrespect-to that of their associated central panel secthan-the width offlanges 134- 'and 112. 'tione'dpair "of flanges covers substantially amajor portions. Since the 'subjectpanels94 and 116 are in are 'cessedposition, the dimensioning of the corner trim :1-36 is notconsideredcritical. However, in an effort toprovide uniformity andsimplicity in thedesign and-fabrication of the individual components ofmy cabinetstructu're, I preferto employ a corner trim that maybeemployed interchangeably with'=a protruding .panelized system such as inthe foregoing embodiments.

In FIGS. 14-and1'5, I illustrate in detail the structural featuresinvolved in mounting the front and end-panels, as well as thecorneripieces to the vertical posts. Aparticula-r coupling of panels-andcorner trim to vertical post 78 will serve as an-example of a preferredform of-corner construction. To further illustrate this construction,the cabinet strueture'will include protruding front and end panels, ascontemplated "by the embodiment of FIGS. I advantageously employ a guidestructure 180 to accomplish the necessary securement of parts.Accordin'gly, the vertical post 78 receives in substantialfaceto-face-conta'ctflanges 112 and 134 of the front panel/94 and endpanel 116, respectively. The central panel sections '96 and 118 areextended outwardly beyond the confines of the chassis 30'by rneans ofthelaterally'e'xtending plates of the panel structures, which includeplate 1260f endpa'nel 116'and plate-10'4 of front panel 94. Flanges 146and 148 of the corner trim 136'o-verlie flange 134 of the end panel 116,and flange 112 of frontpanel'94, re-

spectively. 'As'mentioned in theabove, the plates 142 and with and insubstantially-thesame plane as the central panel se'ction 1'18'of theendpanel 116 and the central panel'section96 ofthe front panel 94,therebyproviding in this "particular'embodiment a continuous andsubstantiallyuninterrupted outer face for my cabinet structure.

The width of flanges 1 146 :and 148 is substantially less The lastmention ot the outer surface area of the-legs of vertical post 78. Withthis'structure inmind, the guide 180, which includes legs "182 and '184,is :provided with guideways in plates 182 and 184 of guide 180, flange134 of end panel 116, and'fla'n'ge 112 of front panel 94, and the legsof vertical? post 78.

sequently,if:the top is not mounted on the supporting chassis at thistime, the corner trim 136 may then be 'passedinto'the guideways 186 and1880f guide by simply-slidingflanges 146 and 148 in these guides. If

' desired, the corner trim136' 'can be readily interchanged prior-to theassembly of thetop 150 with the resultant structure, or upon its removaltherefrom.

Obviously,-one need not extend the flanges 134 of the end panel 116 andflange 1120f front panel =94 to cover a major-portion of the outerface'of the vertical posts 78. Inthis connection, the side edges ofthese flanges could terminate short: of the juncture of the legs of thisverticaltpost 78 to be substantially adjacent the terminal-side edgesof'the flanges 146 and 148 of the corner trim 136. Accordingly, theguide 180 may then' be secured -directly to the outer surfaces of thevertical him 136. offset sufficiently to incorporate therein for slidingmovepost 78 by means of bolts 194. Subsequently, the end panels 116 andfront panel 94 may be passed through the guideways 186 and 188 in amanner similar to corner These guideways 186 and 188 should now be ment,if desired, the total effective thickness presented by both the flanges146 and 148 of guide 180 and the flange 134 of end panel 116 and flange112 of front panel 94. However, it is preferred that the end panel 116and front panel 94 be secured directly to the vertical posts insubstantially an immovable manner to minimize the possibility oftampering with the various structure located -interiorly of therefrigeration unit, such as the usual cooling mechanism and insulation.

Turning now to FIG. 16, .it will be observed that I illustrate a cornertrim having a modified structural configuration. Additionally, I employa different guide structure for mounting this corner trim to theassociated vertical post. This figure will also serve as an illustrationof the corner frame assembly for coupling a rear panel to my mountingchassis 30. Considering the corner frame construction coupled with thevertical post 80, it should be clear that a substantially flat rearpanel 196 is employed to complete the. closure for the sides of mycabinet construction. As illustrated, the rear panel 196 is insubstantially face-to-face contact with one leg of the vertical post 80,and end panel 116 having a recessed central panel section 118, iscoupled with the other leg of this vertical post 80, with its flange 130in substantial face-to-face contact therewith.

In lieu of having an integral and unitary guide similar to thatdisclosed in the previous embodiments, I may employ separate guides 198and 200 to be coupled with each leg of the vertical post 80. Bolts 194or similar connecting means extend through suitable bores in theseguides, as well as the rear panel 196 and flange 134 of end panel 116,and the legs of the vertical post 80. Guides 198 and 200 include sectors202 and 204, respectively, for engaging peripheral portions of the rearplate 196 and flange 134 of end panel 116. Each of the guides 198 and200 include a guideway 206 and 208, respectively, formed by flanges 210and 212 extending integrally from flat sectors 202 and 204. These guides206 and 208 are adapted to embrace inturned flanges appearing on acorner trim 214 for mounting the latter to the associated vertical post80.

In order to provide variations in the design of my corner trim, andthereby my refrigeration unit, I may form the corner trim 214 with anelongated recess or indentation by means of integral diverging plates216 and 218. Integral plates 220 and 222 extend from the terminalportions of the free ends of these plates 216 and 218. '[he plates 220and 222 then extend into plates 224 and 226 which in turn provide theinwardly extending flanges 228 and 230. These flanges 228 and 230 areadapted to slide in the guideways 206 and 208 provided by the flanges210 and 212 of guides 198 and 200. Thus, an alternate form of cornertrim is provided which presents a variation in the visual eifect andappearance of a cabinet structure fabricated in accordance with myinvention.

In FIG. 17 I illustrate the top corner frame construction associatedwith a flat rear panel 196. As shown, the top panel 156 is adapted to bedisposed or rested on the horizontal beam '90 and then terminate in thedownwardly extending plate 162, which in turn provides the inturnedflange 170. The terminal end of inwardly extending flange 170 isdisposed adjacent the exterior face of rear panel 196, substantially asshown. A sub-top structure 174 is incorporated interiorly of this outertop frame structure, thus strengthening the top frame unit.

In considering my cabinet structure for use as a refrigeration unit suchas the bottle vendor and cooler, it will beobvious to those skilled inthe art that other structure as well as variations should accompany mycabinet catcher, insulation, cooling unit and internal liner andsuitable framing for dividing the interior of the refrigeration'unitinto compartments if desired, as well as providing the interior withsuitable racks for bottles, if the vendor is the considered unit. Thesestructural features are conventionally employed and commerciallyavailable to such an extent that their incorporation into the structureof my invention is apparent, and for this reason will notbe disclosed indetail in the present application. However, their association with myinvention will be represented by the following description and mentionedillustrated views.

Referring now to FIG. 18, it will be observed that another form ofopening means is illustrated to obtain access to the interior of mycabinet structure. The sliding lid or door type means 229 for obtainingthis access is particularly suitable for the cooler-type refrigerationunit. Accordingly, my top frame structure 150 is provided with acentrally located apertured portion suitably fabricated to slidablysupport and mount the pair of sliding doors 230 and 232. These doors areadapted to travel or slide one above the other in a manner similar tothat conventionally employed in the art. Suitable handles 234 and 236may be mounted on these sliding doors 230 and 232, respectively, tofacilitate the sliding of these doors to an open position or a closedposition.

As mentioned in the foregoing, my cabinet structure is particularlysuitable for refrigeration type units which include the commercialbottle vendor. Naturally, in the latter type unit, a coin receiverassembly is essential. Thus, as schematically shown in FIG. 19, a coinreceiver assembly 238 is installed and mounted on the central panelsection 96 of the front panel 94. The details of this coin receiverassembly have not been fully illustrated, primarily because thestructure involved is obvious to those skilled in the art, and of a typecommercially available and not peculiar to my cabinet structure.

Similarly, in FIG. 20, I have illustrated schematically a bottle capopener and catcher 240 on the central panel section 96 of the frontpanel 94. The installation of this assembly 240 will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art and will not be illustrated in detail, since such anassembly 240 is of a type commercially available and well known in theart. Suflice it to say that the bottle cap opener and catcher 240includes the usual structure 242 for removal of a cap from a soda popbottle. The lower portion of the assembly includes the usual cap catcher244 for storage of bottle caps removed from the bottles contained withinmy refrigeration unit.

A ventilation screen or panel having louvered openings is usuallyincluded in a vendor or cooler type refrigeration unit. Thus, in FIG.21, I have illustrated a manner in which a ventilation screen 246 mayaccompany my reversible panel type cabinet structure. This ventilationscreen 246 replaces part of the central panel section of any or all ofthe facing panels of my cabinet structure, namely, front panel 94, endpanels 116 and rear panel 196. The ventilation screen 246 may besuitably connected to other portions of such panels or panel sections asby welding or the like. The extent to which the ventilation screen 246is included in a particular refrigeration unit will depend upon theamount of ventilation required, and if desired, a major portion of theselected panelized cabinet faces may include such openings. As shown,the ventilation screen 246 is coplanar with the central panel section118 forming the upper part of an end panel. The foregoing is obviouslysuggestive of structure embodying louvered openings in lieu of a screenfor substantially similar purposes. Accordingly, this type of structureis within the scope of one skilled in the art, and for this reason, thedetails thereof need not be further or fully disclosed. As will beappreciated, the part of the panel incorporating screen or louveredopenings mounting chassis with substantially similar results.

-fi nes -,of a cabinet structure.

usually provided for obtaining accessto anjhterio'rly mounted coolerunit for purposes of'repairs .orilthelike.

Thus, a hinged door2'48 maybe included in one ofthe panels of my cabinetstructure. When a door 248 is provided in my cabinet structure, I preferthat it be mounted or incorporated in an 'end panel -116" and'should besuitably united to such panel in order that the visual effect of arecessed panel or protruding panel system is maintained. In all otherrespects, the end panels 116" are substantially the same as thosedescribed in the above. The structural details of a particular door unithas not been fully disclosed, since any type of door conventionallyemployed for such purposes in refrigeration type units may be utilized.Additionally, the door 246 may replace a substantial portion of acentral panel section of an end panel 116", or a minor portion thereof,depending upon the amount of access opening required.

Since a vendor is included within the usual type refrigeration unitcontemplated by this invention, bottle neck retaining racks anddispenser unit should be mounted interiorly of my cabinet structure.Thus, in FIG. 23 I have shown schematically the incorporation of bottleneck retaining racks 250 and bottle dispenser unit 252 within theconfines of my cabinet structure. Again, the details of the variousstructural features incident to such bottle neck retaining racks 250 andbottle dispenser unit 252 have not been fully illustrated, since theseelements are common in the vendor art and consequently should be obviousto those skilled in the art.

Thus, among others the aforementioned objects and advantages are mostefliciently attained. Obviously, numerous changes may be made in thedescribed and illustrated structure without departing from my intention.Accordingly, it is my intention that the scope of this invention bedefined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Cabinet means for providing a reversible panelized system to producemultiple outward visual effects and appearances for refrigeration typeunits, said cabinet means including a supporting member, at least onepanel having an attached flanged sector disposed in a plane other thanthat of other sectors of said panel, with the plane of one of theaforementioned sectors being outwardly more removed than the other andfurther with said flanged sector being mounted by said supportingmember, a guide connected to said supporting member and surroundingzones of said flanged sector, said guide including a flanged guideway, acorner trim having a flange and sectors thereof being disposed in aplane substantially parallel to the plane of said flanged sector, andsaid flange being disposed adjacent said flanged sector and beingembraced by said flanged guideway.

2. The invention in accordance with claim 1, wherein the distancebetween the flange and certain sectors of said corner trim issubstantially equal to the distance between said flanged sector andcertain sectors of said panel.

3. Cabinet means for providing a reversible panelized system to producemultiple outward visual effects and appearances for refrigeration typeunits, said cabinet means including at least one panel having anattaching flanged sector disposed in a plane other than that of othersectors of said panel with the plane of one of the aforementionedsectors being parallel to and outwardly more removed than the other; achassis supporting said panel, said chassis including a supporting base,vertical posts extending from said base and each having an upper end,and horizontal beams coupled with said vertical posts adjacent saidupper ends; and a corner frame means covering zones of said flangedsector for providing a corner trim and said corner frame means includingan inwardly extending flange in substantially parallel relationship tosaid flanged sector.

4. A refrigeration unit comprising in combination: a

. 110 v chassis includingvertically' extending posts, a panelized systemincluding a'fro'ntpanel, a pair of end panels, and a rear panel, each ofsaidpanels extendingbetween a pair I of said posts' and being supported'by'said chassisgatleast onejof said panels comprising a centralpanelsection," attachingfflanges integrally connected toand extending forsubstantiallythe entire outer peripheral length of said central panelsection, said attaching flanges being difs'et with respect to andparallel to said central panel section, said attaching flanges overlyingzones of the associated pair of posts, said central panel sectionextending between said associated pair of posts and disposed in adifferent vertical plane relative to the disposition of the juncture ofsaid attaching flanges with said associated pair of posts whereby saidcentral panel is protruding when arranged with one face thereof facingoutwardly, and is recessed inwardly when arranged with the other facefacing outwardly.

5. A refrigeration unit comprising in combination: a chassis includingvertically extending posts; a panelized system including a front panel,a pair of end panels and a rear panel, each of said panels extendingbetween a pair of said posts and being supported by said chassis, atleast one of said panels comprising a central panel section, attachingflanges integrally connected to and extending for substantially theentire outer peripheral length of said central panel section, saidattaching flanges being offset with respect to and parallel to saidcentral panel section, said attaching flanges overlying zones of theassociated pair of posts, said central panel section extending betweensaid associated pair of posts and disposed in a different vertical planerelative to the disposition of the juncture of said attaching flangeswith said associated pair of posts, corner trim attached to saidassociated pair of posts and embracing the attaching flanges overlyingthese posts.

6. The invention in accordance with claim 4, wherein a ventilationscreen forms part of at least one of said panels.

7. The invention in accordance with claim 4, wherein one of said panelsis cooperable to provide a door.

8. A refrigeration unit comprising in combination: a chassis having abase, vertical posts extending from said base and each having an upperend, and horizontal beams coupled with said posts adjacent upper ends ofsaid vertical posts; a reversible front panel; a pair of reversible endpanels, and a rear panel, said panels extending be tween and beingsupported by said vertical posts, said front panel and said end panelseach comprising a central panel section, attaching flanges integrallyconnected to and extending for substantially the entire outer peripherallength of said central panel section, said attaching flanges beingoffset with respect to and parallel to said central panel section, saidattaching flanges being secured to at least the supporting verticalposts, said central panel section extending between said vertical postsand disposed in a different vertical plane relative to the dispositionof the juncture of said attaching flanges with the supporting verticalposts; corner trim attached to said vertical posts and embracing theattaching flanges secured to said vertical posts, the thickness of saidcorner trim being substantially equal to the distance by which theattaching flanges are offset from said central panel whereby the centralpanel may be flush with outer peripheral portions of said corner trimwhen arranged with one face thereof facing outwardly and are recessedinwardly when arranged with the other face thereof facing outwardly; andtop corner pieces overlying portions of said horizontal beams and saidattaching flanges.

9. Cabinet means for providing a reversible panelized system to producemultiple outward visual effects and appearances for refrigeration typeunits, said cabinet means including a supporting member, and at leastone panel member having an attaching flanged sector disposed in a planeother than that of other sectors of said panel memher with a plane ofone of the-aforementioned sectors being parallel to and outwardly n'idreremoved than the other and further with the flanged sector mounted bysaid supporting member, a corner frame, means @nnected to saidsupporting member and covering zones of said tion having air passagestherethronghcoupled with said supporting member.

7 UNITED STATES PATENTS 12,139,618

Hall Dec. 6,1938 'wallanee Oct. 23, 1951 Ridder Nov. 13,1951

FOREIGN PATENTS 'Great'Britain Jan. 27, 193

